Dear Parish Family,

  The Second Sunday of Advent presents us with the person of St. John the Baptist. Today’s Gospel reading from Mark 1:1-8 tells us that, “John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: ‘One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’”

  John would challenge a corrupt, earthly king. John would prepare the way for the Eternal King of Kings. He lived in poverty but was rich in faith and courage. He called people to repent so that their hearts would be ready to receive the Messiah. We are called to that as well. Christ will come again. Christ is with us here and now. Amidst the discord of the world and a global pandemic, Christ comes to us and says, “Be not afraid!”

I pray that you and your loved ones will celebrate a prayerful, safe and peaceful Advent season.

God bless you!
Fr. Dan Redmond